Ken Smith Basses and Kevin Brubaker (Founder of Brubaker Guitars) are proud to announce that production of Ken Smith USA basses has been shifted to Brubaker Guitars out of Baltimore, MD. Ken will, as always, handle the initial wood selection as well all final assembly, inspection and setup.
Both Ken and Kevin are excited about this New arrangement. Ken says, “2019, our 40th year starts a new era of Ken Smith Basses!."
Brubaker began making instruments in 1989. Ken Smith Basses launched its first bass 1979, a decade prior.
Both companies have built instruments that have been used all over the world.
Later this year there will be an announced Smith-Baker Hybrid Model. Stayed tuned for further updates.

Mr smith, I could add more details of this new partnership, and if you can give the reasons (history) for this decision...

One of our long time workers passed away and training someone new or from within was not easy to do in a short time. This was the best move we could make to keep the basses being produced as they had been. We are still supplying neck and body billets from our shop here to the new shop and will continue to do so. Changes to the basses will be minimal if any and the only noticeable difference is the actual improved finish on all of the basses.